Avenues, eager to lock down students for next year, has extended its Early Decision Program. It is the only NYC private school that allows parents to commit in return for early notification (and clearly admissions preference). Other NYC private schools are members of ISAAGNY, which requires schools to adhere to agreed-upon dates.
From Avenues’ website:
As a new school, Avenues does not have a pool of siblings or legacies, but will offer an Early Notification option for families who have decided that Avenues is their first choice. This option allows families who are accepted to know, in advance of the regular February acceptance date, that their children have a secure seat for the fall of 2012. Early Notification is a binding decision. Families whose children are accepted agree their children will attend Avenues.